BURQUITLAM:
BETWEEN & BEYOND
Evergreen Line Public Art
Burquitlam Station
Coquitlam, BC, Canada

Burquitlam: Between & Beyond is a suspended
sculpture in reclaimed metals and polycarbonate. For a community
historically referred to as “a place in between” on the North Road from
New Westminster to Port Moody, an explosion of development is taking
shape. Between acknowledges the history of a community settled in
the 1800’s on a road well traveled. Beyond signifies a community
transformed--- connected by rapid transit.

The
overall design consists of seven large orbs connected to each other in a
configuration where a cluster of five (Between) is bookended by
two single orbs (Beyond). Conceptual details related to the
design of each orb are inspired by the Transit Orientated Development
Strategy, an urban design model that promotes public transit, foot and
bicycle traffic over the automobile. The framework of each orb is
constructed using twelve bicycle rims. Within this framework is a
smaller orb that supports a multi-layered assemblage of mechanical
works: bicycle components on the outer layers (symbolizing human powered
transportation); and automobile parts towards the center (framing the
historical context). Weaving in and around the internal assemblage is
an array of copper wire, relating to the hydro-generated electricity
that powers the train. And finally, each bicycle rim of the external
framework is covered by a sheet of clear polycarbonate. This not only
seals each orb, but the reflection it provides will capture the motion
of the sky-train users, bringing foot traffic into the model.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:This was a very technically demanding project, and there were many
parties involved that made it all happen. I would like to thank
Project Manager--- Lynne Werker, the City of Coquitlam, the province of
BC, Translink, Flynn Companies, SNC Lavalin, RJC Engineers, Don Willems
of Effistruc Consulting, Our Community Bikes, Kaslo Building Supplies,
True Blue Hardware and last (but not least) the incredible patience and
support of my fine family---Arin Fay, Morgan & Eli.